Media Alert: Boaters, Anglers Need to Speak Up About Proposed Changes to Biscayne National Park

Public Hearings Slated Next Week; Management Plan Changes Could See New Curbs on Boating and Fishing

WHAT: The National Park Service is holding a series of meetings next week to discuss the future of Biscayne National Park. If visiting the Park is an important part of your boating and angling, consider attending one of three upcoming meetings and make your voice heard, or, if you cannot attend, submit written comments. It is vital the National Park Service hear from boaters and anglers about the many ways you want to access and enjoy the Park.

WHY: The process of revising its General Management Plan for Biscayne National Park has been ongoing for the last several years, and the National Park Service has developed alternative plans. Their preferred management plan, Alternative #6, proposes some important changes in how boaters and anglers can access various parts of the Park. For example, it will create a “Special Recreation Zone” where anchoring will be banned. This alternative does call for additional moorings in that zone, however, it does not identify how many will be installed, their location or how the Park will pay for them and their maintenance. Additional fishing regulations will also be implemented in the Special Recreation Zone. So the time to act is now.

More about Alternative #6 (see “Chapter 2: Alternatives”) is available at:

ABOUT BOATUS: Boat Owners Association of The United States fights against unfair federal taxes, fees and regulations that single out boat owners and works with state agencies to promote boating laws that make sense. In addition to being the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters, BoatUS provides its half a million members with services such as 24-hour on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs and money-saving benefits that include marina and West Marine shopping discounts. Its member-funded non-profit BoatUS Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Go to www.BoatUS.com for more.